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It's been smooth sailing lately for the Cardinals, but the schedule toughens up soon. And coach Chris Mack says Louisville still has plenty of room for improvement.

"I think we’re making, for the most part, the right pass, and for the most part we’re taking pretty good shots," Mack said in advance of Wednesday's game against USC Upstate. "Defensively I thought we were really good against Indiana State and not as good against North Carolina Central, so we have improvements we have to make."

The Cardinals, shooting for their fifth win in a row to start the 2019-20 season, will take on the Spartans at 7 p.m. at the Yum Center. Akron will be up next for Louisville on Sunday before the Cardinals go on to face Western Kentucky on Nov. 29 in Nashville.

Can't make it to the game? Here's how to keep up with Louisville vs. USC Upstate from home.

Here are a few storylines to watch as Louisville looks to avoid the upset.

Meet the USC Upstate Spartans

USC Upstate (1-4) has struggled this season. The Spartans lost 73-64 last week to North Carolina Central, a team Louisville beat by 29 points, and have suffered blowout losses against College of Charleston, Virginia Tech and Akron. USC Upstate's only win came against NAIA Truett McConnell.

Guard Everette Hammond has led the Spartans in scoring this season at 11.6 points per game, while wing Bryson Mozone is averaging 9 points a night and a team-high 5.8 rebounds.

The Cardinals will be a heavy favorite. Mack said one notable challenge facing the Spartans is their youth — Louisville relies on its veterans, while USC Upstate leans on freshmen and sophomores for production.

"They’re really trying to execute on offense, they’re just not shooting it very well," Mack said. "With young kids, sometimes the speed of the game and the little things you have to do to get open, to create a good look and then ultimately knock it down, takes a little bit of confidence. … We’re on the other end of the spectrum. I’ve got four fifth-year seniors on our team."

Lights out

Louisville has been one of the most efficient teams in the country this season. The Cardinals' 56.6% field goal percentage is tied with Gonzaga for the best in Division I men's basketball.

They've looked good on offense, for the most part, though Mack has stressed that the Cardinals need to avoid lazy jumpers and work to find the best shot on the court. Dwayne Sutton attributed Louisville's hot start to how the team has moved the ball.

"Coach Mack preaches it every day – if we play unselfish, good things are going to happen," Sutton said. "I also think getting the ball in the paint, good things happen, and we end up getting some kick-out 3’s, getting to the free-throw line, that leads to some good shots as well."

USC Upstate's offense, meanwhile, has been ... well, not one of the most efficient in the country. The Spartans are sitting on a 38.7% field goal percentage through five games and have hit 30 of 117 attempts from beyond the arc.

Forward progress

In Malik Williams' absence, Mack has continued to deploy at times a three-forward lineup, with 6-foot-5 Sutton down low alongside Jordan Nwora and Samuell Williamson.

Those three shared the court for about 5 minutes Sunday against NCCU, and all three made an impact. Nwora had 17 points, Sutton had 12, and while Williamson had his most modest game on the stat sheet yet – he finished with 9 points in 23 minutes off the bench – he was a key piece of the defense, especially switching with Sutton and Nwora in that three-forward front.

Williams could return at any point, and freshman Aidan Igiehon is improving in the post. But Louisville's three forwards are among the most important players on the team, and their progress in these nonconference games is worth watching.